International Fest to put military

LORAIN — The Lorain International Festival will spotlight the armed forces next year instead of a nationality this year.

Terri Soto, president of the Lorain International Association, said the spotlight shifted to give the ethnic groups in Lorain a break this year from having to be featured.

“There’s a lot involved to being the spotlight nationality,” she said. “It takes a lot of work, dedication and it’s an expense trying to fundraise.”

The organization doesn’t like to repeat any of the dozen nationalities who participate within a 10-year period, and some ethnic groups felt they needed more time to prepare while some had become too small in the city to organize.

“We’ve spotlighted other things in the past, like we celebrated our 20th anniversary one year and the 225th anniversary of the city of Lorain another year,” she said. “This year, we’ve just decided to honor the men and women who serve our country, both overseas and here in the area.”

Soto said she doesn’t expect much to change, other than she’d like to have the main speaker be from the military instead of a representative from an ethnic group. The International Princesses, ethnic food and cultural activities will remain.

“We’re still just beginning the planning so we don’t know all the details yet,” Soto said.